TEEN DRINKING

Regarding the article "More teens drinking themselves to death" (Dec. 28):
The news media coverage of the "war on drugs" often has drowned out the far
more serious problem of alcohol among youth.

The vast majority of teenagers with substance abuse problems do not require
intensive residential programs. Most can be treated in less restrictive
outpatient settings.

Even if teens refuse to comply with counseling, parents should seek help
for themselves through their own counseling or the self-help group for
families, Al-Anon. These activities can help parents learn how they may be
contributing to their sons' or daughters' problems, strategies about how
best to discuss the problem with them, and how to take care of themselves
and limit the destructive impact on the rest of the family.

We could do much more to prevent alcohol and drug problems among our youth.
Studies demonstrate that we have effective methods of prevention. Fear
tactics alone have not worked.

Teenagers are less likely to use substances if prevention programs teach
them skills to deal with peers, parents, feelings and self-esteem problems.

Douglas L. Polcin
UC-Berkeley Extension Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies Program